Try the 28-day planking challenge

Sheree Mcdonald

Contributing Writer

Remedy Daily

What if you could totally transform your body in just four minutes? You probably think that it sounds too good to be true. However, with the 28-day Plank Challenge featured in Women Daily Magazine, you will see results by slowly training your body for endurance and strength. While it’s not exactly a quick fix, it is a slow progression toward amazing results.

Want to learn more about this challenge and what it does for your body? Read on to see what you can do for your body in just under a month.

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The ChallengeThe Plank Challenge must be completed in four weeks. At first, you simply start out in the plank position for 20 seconds. Easy, right? Slowly, you build up your stamina until you are planking for four minutes during the final days. Follow this plan:

How to Properly PlankThe key to getting great results comes down to perfecting the proper planking position. According to an article from Physical Living, this is how to do it:

1. Make sure that your arms are positioned correctly. Elbows should be directly under the shoulders to ensure proper weight distribution.2. The spine should remain straight. Avoid rounding out your spine and putting unnecessary pressure on your neck and back.3. Make sure to tighten your core so that it benefits from the exercise.4. Keep your legs slightly spread. Pay attention to how your hips feel during the exercise. There should be no added pressure to the hip area. Adjust the distance between your feet as needed.5. Your breathing should be slow and deliberate so that your core is fully engaged and your body is relaxed.

Why Planking?You may be wondering why the Planking Challenge makes for such a good workout plan. After all, the exercise seems a bit simplistic to be a full-body workout. However, it is just that. Here’s what planking does for your body:

1. Tones your stomach. As described above, planking involves using your core to stabilize your body and carry out the physical demands to maintain the proper planking position. The abdominal muscles are engaged during this workout. Over time, those muscles tone and tighten to give you a great-looking stomach. 2. Promotes good posture. Because your abs play a huge role in your ability to maintain good posture, planking can also be good for your balance and stability. Over time, you’ll be able to stand up straight and achieve a broader range of movement. 3. Increases flexibility. According to an article published by Mercola.com, your flexibility will improve as you work your back and shoulder muscles in the plank position. The shoulder blades will actually stretch, which promotes a better range of motion.

Who knew such a simple challenge could achieve such great results? Check out the video below for a total breakdown of how to do a proper plank. Share today to challenge your friends.